The Best Camera for Film Photography Beginners

Go to NordVPN.com/kaiw to get a 2-year plan at a huge discount plus 4 months free. It’s risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!
Old School Photography book available now! linktr.ee/kaimanwong
Super Bokeh Bros Merch! teespring.com/stores/superbok...
THIS VIDEO WAS SHOT WITH:
Panasonic S5 geni.us/S2U4HOW
Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 geni.us/xTG4IR
Sony a7III geni.us/c5C8j
Sony FE 24-70mm ƒ/4 ZA OSS geni.us/2qgBA
Sony Distagon FE 35mm ƒ/1.4 geni.us/K2m74
OTHER ACCESSORIES:
[ Camera accessories ] 📷
X-Rite Colorchecker Passport Video geni.us/BOGmus
SLR Magic 82mm Fixed ND 1-5 Stops Filter Set geni.us/AvBv
[ Audio ] 🎤
Røde Wireless GO II geni.us/FWbh7
Sanken COS-11D Lavalier Mic geni.us/WTN3
[ Voice Over ] 🎙
Zoom H1n geni.us/LgDC
Røde VideoMic NTG geni.us/gXlilLo
* I may earn a bit of commission if you use the product links above to help me keep on making videos for you, so thank you!

[@infernalcapricorn]

The prices of all those film cameras just went up 400 bucks after this video. Thanks Kai.

[@gewglesux]

Well, he didn't mention the MP... so there's that.

[@cwiley512]

Like they’re not already ridiculous enough 😂😂😂

[@infernalcapricorn]

@@cwiley512 I know! It can be frustrating to people just starting out.

[@gewglesux]

@@infernalcapricorn Agreed.. well there's always Nikon..

[@gewglesux]

@@cwiley512 Sooo expensive... but so lovely..

[@lanmichaelmix2818]

this man is the most serious camera reviewer on youtube.His chance to experience and his knowledge about cameras is so grand.He is also an fun photographer to watch

[@lanmichaelmix2818]

@@crxracer805 of course

[@crxracer805]

@@lanmichaelmix2818 ok good you twin from the Matrix Reloaded.

[@lanmichaelmix2818]

@@crxracer805 no it is not the twin.It is an god character in a chinese movie

[@crxracer805]

@@lanmichaelmix2818 Ah ok lol, I guess I wouldn't be familiar with it.

[@Joelsfilmer]

I think Chris and Jordan at DPReviewTV are just as good if not better but I suppose that can be just a matter of taste.

[@ashzhu3085]

Let’s just take a minute to appreciate some of the brilliant shots taken by this man.

[@georgehenric3069]

I would not say brillant, but they are honest work, he knows what he does.

[@SMGJohn]

@@georgehenric3069 Art is subjective, and to some his images may be brilliant, I think Kai is very talented at taking pictures of moments and situational images, its not easy and its very difficult to capture a moment in action regardless what anyone says. Requires tremendous amount of self confidence as well.

[@theothertonydutch]

How to get into analog photography: Step 1: Get everything before a fairly high profile youtuber makes a video about it.

[@dflf]

You mean you can’t find a Pentax 67 at the thrift store for $25?

[@urbanimage]

Film photography isn't analog !

[@theothertonydutch]

@@urbanimage What do you mean?

[@theothertonydutch]

@@dflf Best I can do is a mint Yashica 124G for 50 euros.

[@urbanimage]

@@theothertonydutch There's nothing analog in the process of capturing an image using a silver halide emulsion, be it using film, glass paper or anything else you can coat a photographic emulsion on to. Are you using the term 'analog' to mean not digital?

[@foreignparticle1320]

The problem with buying analogue cameras is that it can be difficult to stop yourself from buying more of them.

[@kishascape]

Mr problem is more buying weird and exotic film stocks. Specially extinct stuff from a hoarders freezer.

[@pointblank2890]

Thanks for the Megapickles joke, Kai. I love it.

[@arricammarques1955]

35mm negatives don't crash! LOL

[@WithFaithlessEyes]

honestly, the M5 is so underrated. Feels great in the hand and the protruding shutterspeed wheel makes it the most practical to use. Love mine to bits.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Saw this video, then happened to see Kai’s new book “Old School Photography” in my local bookstore. It’s got 100 tips to improve your film photography. Best of all, it’s loaded with great images shot on film. Well done Kai!! 👏

[@kngkunaat]

I was lucky to get a Nikon FM2 a couple years back and always take it and a few rolls with me on family events and everyone just adores the pictures. So much more character then what people are used to.

[@cameronglynn825]

Yes Kai! More film photography stuff!

[@urimsuh]

Thank you for this video Kai!

[@mikescott8225]

Pentax 6x7 - - CAH-CHUNK! Maybe the least subtle shutter/mirror ever. So satisfying.

[@thehealthpotions]

Why did i sell my pentax 67...

[@wombat1238marsupial]

An important point would be to make sure the light seals have been replaced as these would have decayed over time. My local friendly camera shop has done this on all of my film cameras as well as calibrating the shutter speeds.

[@Asmoc23]

I love you redo this video for analog photography from time to time. Keep it alive! :)

[@aristoioannidis7490]

Hey Kai. I will recommend this update and your channel to every noob. Thanks again.

[@KombatFlix]

Literally been following this man for years . How time flies.

[@howardtowler6146]

Always enjoy watching your videos

[@DokukuDreams]

Kai! Your passion for film is showing! I gave up digital in 2017 and haven't looked back! Except for the mavic mini.. But as you've told us, the process is so enjoyable and you can't beat the perfect imperfect film look!

[@AnalogueWonderland]

Ahhhh thanks for the quick feature Kai!! 😍 Love your work

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

Loved this dive into analog Kai! More analog pls. (also: ahhhhh the scratches on that slide film eeeek )

[@mproyuclan]

Love my Pentax 67. I bought it on ebay about 18 months ago and have 55mm and 105mm lenses. I got an after-market 3D printed right hand grip which makes all the difference in the handheld shooting experience. One caution in buying online is that the body I have is the 3rd I bought as teh first two had to go back, but I bought with seller pays return and claimed back import tax. At the complete oposite end of the scale I had a Pentax Auto 110 with two lenses in the late 70's / early 80's. it was the most amazing and cute little camera even if it was limited by 110 format film, you could put the whole system (camera and two lenses and auto winder in one pocket !!)

[@eldude831]

Every time kai makes a video about film i get excited and then realize my digital camera is free to take pictures with

[@howtoduit]

Wow, I have not been to this channel in 6 or 7 years.. and it hasn't changed at all! Other than the higher quality video, but the format obviously works! Congrats on 900k !

[@alexgarnett7557]

Kai, I just got your book in the post. It’s already helped me greatly to get the “film” feel out of my Fuji by copying film recipes. I’m thinking of doing a video on “ten things it’s taught me” as long as I have your blessing ? That way, I can ride your name to fame 😂

[@KevinChaires]

I remember those wide panoramic shots with the Hasselblad XPan! Videos like that convinced me to finally get a film camera! I'm starting out with the AE1-P and I'm already so excited!

[@frutt5k]

For panorama you would need the horizont with it's swivelling lens.

[@mikesmith-po8nd]

frutt56 - wrong.

[@frutt5k]

@@mikesmith-po8nd Apparently you haven't got a clue what the Horizont was.

[@spyratekodaks7494]

Most satisfying video on your channel for 2021!!

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

One of your best videos, very informative and it got a lot of enjoyment out of it, great video!

[@zerg_burger]

I got an olympus m-1 because its sexy, small, rare with a good story and a light meter. The shutter sound keeps me up at night 😘

[@shanecaut1063]

A classic Kai video! Love the film vids :)

[@dxps26]

A day before my Pentax 67 arrives, this video drops.

[@TonyJohnsonPhotos]

I always wanted one. I shot an RB67s and it was great, as well. Loved the 6x7 negatives. Shot a lot of fashion and weddings with it and the quality was outstanding. The pentax looks easier to handle than the RB. Always wanted to try some of their long lenses, as well. I seem to remember they had a 400mm f4..?

[@clintjohnson5914]

I worked in camera specialty stores from the late 70s until the 90s-- when people would come in and ask what the best camera was,, I would usually reply by asking if they wanted to take pictures or learn photography. My philosophy was.. If you want to be a photographer,, one should get something like a Pentax K1000, Olympus OM1 or a Nikon FM (my choice) with a basic 35 or 50mm and head out to the desert with a loin cloth and a pointed stick. Many of the cameras you featured would be worthy contenders. Don't be afraid to completely cock up a few dozen rolls along the way. (..although , much easier/cheaper now with digital.} It will just make those first really nice shots that much more satisfying. Had a Leica M4P for a couple of years but I couldn't afford lenses when first starting a family. In fact ,, the Panasonic- Leica primes on one of the GX-8 rangefinder style bodies brought me back to photography over the last 5 years. That,, and excellent and informative channels like this,,, Thanks

[@TURST67]

First time I see one of your videos in my sub box in months... I didn't know you were uploading that much lately, thanks youtube amazing algorythm.

[@camerawatchuk]

Good stuff Kai 😎

[@JHamilton791]

I took my first camera, a Pentax ME Super, out for a spin last week. It was good fun!

[@quite1enough]

I like how on 2:21 you talking about "so many choices" yet films of my choice is sold out, lol.

[@bestoca]

I was given my first camera when I was 15 - a Canon Ftb. Later on became a “poor” student and stopped shooting but 23 years later I picked up a digital camera and can still only shoot in manual mode 😂 but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

[@williambelchior]

The man! Nice ep. about film cameras 🤙🔥

[@wpherigo1]

Probably your best video! Well done!

[@ElReySupr3me]

Agh yes Kai. Please continue more videos on good ol film.

[@Biovirulent]

I have that Pentax lens you said was your first. It's actually really easy to use and decently made

[@shodan2958]

Really good video on film photography, took it up during lockdown in 2020 with a Pentax Spotmatic. Essentially got to play with full frame (APS-C user currently), manual focusing alongside Russian and GDR origin Carl Zeiss Jena lenses (M42 has some bangers for sure) for not much money at all. Sure, it doesn't make much sense versus digital but if your curious about photography your precursors did it's a fun side of the photography hobby. (And the lenses can be reused on digital bodies anyway)

Love film photography! I found the F3 to be a superb companion. It has a helpful aperture priority function.

[@rocknwithmr.boomer8718]

F3HP cost anywhere from 300.00 to 600.00 USD. IMO cameras such as this are not good choices for noobs. There are affordable, decent cameras with Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, full auto and manual modes that sell for well under 100.00 USD with a decent lens. I highly recommend the Nikon N75 for anyone new breaking into film. There are other great cameras at affordable prices, but the F3 is not one of them. The F3 is a great camera, but for a noob? if I where new at photography and wanted to try film I would never consider paying that kind of money on a camera I may only use to shoot a few rolls of film as an experiment.

[@danktech69]

@@rocknwithmr.boomer8718 or maybe he got one at a very good deal i got one for 10 euro at a car boot sale 4 years ago still going perfect

[@rocknwithmr.boomer8718]

@@danktech69 I haven't seen a good deal in a very long time. When digital started to take off everyone was dumping their film gear very cheap. I bought up a bunch of Nikon 35mm gear in those days, now, the market has turned and the deals are few and far in-between. It reminds me of the vinyl craze (everyone is trying to capture a bit of the past).

[@rocknwithmr.boomer8718]

@@danktech69 kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2S7ZmxsptlnmZo

[@mareius]

So much nostalgia on this channel, including the channel itself

[@willstith1]

I'm enjoying your book a lot man. I'm heading to NYC next week and I'm gonna look for a good film camera while I'm there. I'm scared of Ebay so I'd rather touch the camera before I buy. Good stuff man!

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Always wanted a Pentax 67. Owned Mamiya 645, RZ67. Still have a (now decrepit) Pentax 645 sitting on the shelf. Cool video that most people wouldn't be interested in. Thanks for posting this!

[@rickietatum4319]

Love the old school cool of these cameras. I have a Pentax MX with its various focusing screens. I've had it for around thirty five years. A great piece of old school totally manual tech.

[@sigmagamer364]

This man had been reveiwing digital cameras most of the time in his career.But it's unusual to see him make content about film cameras.He earns me more respect

[@rogerhyland8283]

Loved it

[@HighHatOG]

I do portraits all on film and I use my fully manual film cameras for walk around and daily drivers, and then I have my F100 and Pentax 67 for paid work.

[@rickved]

I In 1966, half of the pictures in Popular Photography were shot with Pentax, Spotmatic, the first SLR sold in the U.S., and the other half were shot with the Nikon F. I got the Pentax as a high school graduation present, then a year later traded it for a new Nikon Photomic FT, but I missed the smoothness and focus of the Pentax. I passed on the Leica M3 because it didn't have a meter, another regret. My brother-in-law dropped my Nikon into a swamp 15 years later and it quit working. After digital came out, I still missed my two old film cameras just for nostalgia. So recently I bought a near-mint Pentax Spotmatic and the 50mm 1.4 lens on KEH. Pentax had the best 50mm lens in the world. Then on Ebay, I found a silver Nikon F near-mint for $200. The near-mint 50mm 1.4 lens was another $100. Both from Japan. I have seen one or two Fs new in the original box there. I bought some Fuji Provia film for my two beauties, but Fuji Velvia film is $50 per role!! Then there's processing and scanning. I pray for the day when Nikon makes a digital version of the F with a pyramid top. In silver, please.

[@mikesanchez7948]

Lots of choices, but Nikon FM2 is a classic...with a light meter!

[@Sharkbate211]

Last few weeks I've been getting into film photography with an olympus om1, nice to have a lot of the info for a novice like me in one place

[@mxilplict]

I shot dozens of events, weddings, and group portraits with the big Pentax 67 on Portra, Provia, Astia and Velvia stocks and loved this cam. Though I feel it was less flexible than my Mamiya or Bronica 67s due to the lack of interchangeable backs and the focal plane vs leaf shutter, it was super easy to learn and transition from 35mm film. I found the ergonomics more intuitive than other medium formats, due to the mirroring of dials, film advance and shutter release of typical manual 35mm SLR, and I dual wielded it along with a Nikon FM2 with a 28-70 with great success. The only thing I hated was how long reloading took compared to having pre-loaded roll film backs on other medium format cams, so I used 220 roll film and planned ahead. Completely agree with buying big medium format if you are going to bother shooting slides or film. Nowadays, with the 67 you probably wouldn’t try shooting fast-paced events, so i see the the 67 as a great still life, landscape, architecture and portrait option, especially for how well it renders on slide. Simply amazing to me today even 25 years later.

[@stuartcarden1371]

Seriously people, buy Kai's book. It's fantastic!

[@BryanHansel]

Still have my old FM2A. It is one of my favorite cameras that I've ever owned.

[@ProEditingLooks]

great job

[@Wandonification]

Megapickles Thank you for sharing your wisdom, it's stuck with me now

[@satyarod]

Groovy Pentax hat! 😎

[@yashveersingh1795]

Kai is unreal character

[@BlueSky-ub4fx]

LOL!! I LOVE these "...unless..." voiceovers! 😅😅

[@BenMauser]

My mom gave me her old Canon EOS 1000F to try it out. For first steps in shooting on film it's pretty nice. It has a light meter which makes things a lot easier. You can also slap on your EF Lenses and it does support auto focus (if you want to use it). It's also pretty cheap to get ob Ebay at around 50 € or so.

[@edobette]

Thank You for this wonderful video. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@DeputatKaktus]

I am so glad that I got a bunch of film cameras before prices went completely bananas. Some of the cameras I have here now would probably sell for at least three times what I paid. For the moment, though, I am done hunting for camera bodies. Glass is where it’s at for me. My recommendation: go for Canon FD glass or Soviet KMZ glass (the latter being really a matter of taste). Best bang for buck in my opinion, AND it still holds up well on your modern mirrorless cameras.

[@GrandHuevotes]

I like the Fujifilm GA645 Pro. w 60mm f4. i miss mine. point and shoot and incredibly supreme. 120.

[@daytoday6905]

My first camera was a canon powershot and I enjoyed it so much!

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

This was such a refreshing take on shooting photographs, and to have you of all people run down old school 35mm cameras, and do it in such a confident and encouraging way - will no doubt encourage many to pick-up a film camera and give it a go. This was excellent in every way, thanks Kai. Okay now for a serious question.... where can I get a Pentax cap like the one you're wearing.... seriously I want one.

[@martiipeacock4698]

Ebay or Google is your friend

[@NikonFM2n]

I love my fully mechanical Nikon fm2n. I recommend it highly.

[@tonykeltsflorida]

When I use film, I use my Canon Rebel G. I use my 50mm f/1.8 lens and I use AV mode. I develop and scan my own film. I use a lab box and c41 color process. I scan on the Epson v600. I like the rebel G because I can use my rebel XTI digital camera to take shots to see what they should look like on film.

[@haifangshi]

Film is coming back, hope to see more of film contents in your channel :)

[@SimbianMinistry]

Still have a working Practika MTL and Zenit E from when I started off in the 70s - Progressed to Pentax LX (and a Ricoh XR-P backup) but sold those on to a couple of photography students when I went digital. I still hanker back to those days of b/w dev and printing... Ilford film... Paterson enlarger... Would love to have the time to indulge again. Kai also just reminded me of dabbling with medium format and an old Lomo 'Lubitel'

[@TheMontanafew]

My Pentax me super is easy. I set the aperture and it chooses the speed. Even has exposure setting let in more or less light

[@hteekay]

This video is just Kai flexing his vintage camera collections

[@Caballeroshot]

Here's my film advice: Start off with a Nikon as Kai mentioned, I got a near new FE from Japan for less than $100 shipped to the US. Medium Format? Mamiya 645. Even bigger? Fujica GW 690 and you get to fulfill the rangefinder fascination a the same time.

[@FrontSideBus]

It's funny that I can remember the episodes of the old DRTV where some of those frames were shot lol. I have an EOS1n and I got it mainly so I can use all my DSLR lens'. Also have a 'Blad 500 ELM from 1976 :)

[@dizzybuizzy9347]

Really like the chrome Nikon F, with Waist and Eye-Level VF's!

[@livelongandprosper70]

i got into film a year or 3 ago, even developing my own in the house, then scanning the negatives, (including colour and 120 film) but after a while, i went back to digital for the sheer convenience, i will say, using film probably makes you a "better" photographer as you need to consider your shot far more.. you cant just click away and review like you can on digital, so, im glad i did it.

[@GeekRedux]

Shooting on film only to scan the negatives defeats the purpose. That's just a digital photo with extra steps. Shooting on film only makes sense if you're going to go analog start to finish: print on paper in a darkroom. Which obviously adds to the complexity and cost quite a bit.

[@futc.photography]

Listening to him talk about the Leica prices and then comparing them to the prices today is just painful 😭 an M5 costs ~1800€ on ebay right now

[@gerikmd]

An option is using the fuji x100 (the 1st edition) and covering the back screen to prevent chimping.. great to use as a "film camera"

[@mcclarinscott]

Great content and discussion....Will you do a Comparo, even a Shoot-out? Pinkey to lip...between the Pentax 67 and the RB67 ProS..I happen to be a Mamiya RB67 Fanboy. I also shoot a Nikon F5 for chasing my child around...Glad to see you still doing what you do! Subbed!

[@minisla]

Honest stuff

[@ashliehiggins]

I use a Olympus Infinity Stylus, as it was my nans, and it's a nice pocketable camera. just so happens to be fairly collectible.

[@mauriciorh228]

Te amo Kai saludos

[@robinrides2384]

Picked up a minolta 404si and a canon 110ED for 10 euros at a garage sale. Real fun to use.

[@spiritualdeath]

£100 just got me your Book, a Minolta XG-M with a 50mm 1.7, a 28mm 2.8, and a 70-210 4.5 on Ebay, The camera was in a little need of attention like changing the capacitors and light seals which wasn't an issue for me personally. We all grow up but I am missing a little less seriousness, I remember when you set fire to that Nikon (or canon) in the middle of Hong Kong. Anyway, keep up the good work! BTW, Love the Book, easy to read, helpful and inspiring.

[@coleman7281]

Very nice! My favorite Leica is the M5! Were I to buy one, that'd be it. I'm a Nikon fanboy when it comes to film cams.

[@ziginox]

Love the Maxxum 7000 call out, that's another good one for lens selection. Basically any A-mount lenses will work on it, as long as they're not DT or SAM/SSM. (Even though you could manual focus a SAM lens, it won't drive the aperture.)

[@creepyloner1979]

power zoom lenses won't work on a 7000 either.

[@ziginox]

@@creepyloner1979 True, I'd forgotten about that with how uncommon they are 😅

[@markroxas7104]

I hope you get your hands on an xpan. Your pics on drtv with it are my fave.

[@WorldInThe]

Another camera system I suggest for new film shooters is the minolta srt camera's I've yet to find one that didn't atleast shoot it's shutter. The meters though I wouldn't put the same trust in. The entire sr/mc/md lens and camera system is a great bang for buck.

[@nicolasletellier6162]

That crazy to see film camera become a thing to do for some. Because I learned photography when I was young on film camera, even learned to develop my film. And I would cut both my arms with a spoon rather than go back on film.

[@AlainLafleche1]

Like my Nikon FE2 with my Metz 45 CT5... great combo !!

[@josephoutdoors]

I’ve bought a few digital mirrorless cameras… looking for character. 2021 I bought a Pentax Q10 and a Olympus EP1 🥰

[@BretMiller]

Don't forget the Nikon F6, possibly the most advanced 35mm film camera.

[@kierenkd]

I quite like what my Ricoh FF9 point and shoot captures (35mm F3.5). I also picked up a cheap Nikon EM with some E-series lenses

[@AeromaticXD]

My first camera (shooting film as a hobby - I shot with various film cameras as a kid - like disposables) was technically a Fuji DL-270 Zoom. But, my first SLR was a Praktica LTL3. M42 mount lenses are great because there’s many great lenses which are quite accessible due to how long lenses were made for this mount. (Also I believe KMZ still technically make them? I read on a wikipedia page, I dunno if that’s true though)

[@chiefdispatcher]

I love my Konica FS-1!

[@EdwardTMadrigal]

Just picked up a trusty Nikon F with a nifty 50mm 1.4. Such a cool camera!

[@mikldude9376]

Brings back memories (vaguely ) of probably the only sort of half decent film camera i ever owned , a Pentax p30 with 28/80 sigma lens(i think ? ) . Simpler times …….. oh the good old days ?

[@althejazzman]

I was lucky enough to be given a Nikon F4 and three lenses a while back. I love using it as it slows down my composition process, but I'm often reluctant to take it out as it's so damned heavy!

[@MrCochise71]

After all these years I'll still never forget your stalker on the streets video. 😂